Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1887-05-18
}GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
Washington, ID. c., May 5th, 1868.

GENERAL ORDERS NO. H.
l. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for
the purpose of strcwing with flowers or otherwise
decorating the graves of comrades who died in de-
fence of their country during the late rebellion,
and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, VII
lage and hamlet churchyard in the land. In tins
observance no form Of ceremony is prescribed, but
posts and comrades will in their own way arrange
such fitting services and testimonials OF respect ms
circumstance may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as regulations
tell us, for the purpose, among other things 'of
preserving and strengthening those kind and fra
terna (, elings which have bound together the SOL
diers, sailors and marines who united TO suppress
the late rebellion" What can aid more TO assure
this result than chcrishing tcnderly the mem
DRY of our heroic dead, who made their breasts
barricade between our country and its foes Their
soldier lives were the reveie OF freedom to race
in chains and their death the tattoo of rebellous
tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves
with sacred vigilance. All that the consccrated
wealth and tasto of the nation can add TO their
adornmcnt aud seeurtyis but fitting tribute TO
the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wan
ton foot tread rudoly on such hallowed grounds:
Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going OF
reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no van
dalism of avarice neglect, no ravagos of time
testify 20 the present or TO the coming generations
that we have forgotten as people the cost OF u
free and undivided republic.
II other eyes grow dull and other hearts cold in
the solemn trust ours shall keep il well as long
as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around
their sacred remains and garland the passionless
mounds above them with the choicest flowers OF
springtime let us raise above them the dear old
nag they saved from dishonor let us in this solemn
presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those
whom they have left among us a sacred charge up
on n nations g1atitude-the soldiers and sailors
widow and orphan.
. IL is the purpose Of the Commander-in-Ch Chief
TO innugurate this observance with the hope that
IL will be kept up from year 20 year, while u sur
vivor of the war remains to honor the memory of
his departed comrades
He earnestly desires the public press TO call at
tention TO this order, and lend its friendly aid in
bringing IL TO the notice of comrades in all parts of
liana .lasa0an
herewith.
s. Department commanders will use every effort
to make this order effective.
by command Of John A. Logan, commander-n-
Mp. CHAPMAN,
Adiutant General.
Last year, that noble Commander who
signed the above order, participated with
other comrades and citizens in the Memo
rial service of the dead with his own hand
strewing the choicest flowers OF spring
time upon the passionless mounds of our
fallen heroes. This year, loving hands
will perform the same service upon his
grave. Many more have fallen during the
year, over whose graves the green turf has
not yet formed. One by one we are being
mustered out, soon the roll call here be-
low will cease, and the beautiful, loving
Memorial Service will be performed by
the sons and daughters OF us veterans,
and with their sympathetic friends.
Memorial Day this year, comes on Mon
day, May 30th. The services will be held
in the afternoon. A full program will be
published in due time. 1t is hoped that
business so far as possible will be suspend
ed between the hours of / and T.. NJ, and
the citizens generally, are most cordially
invited to participate in the services of
the occasion.
4. l.. KIMBALL,
Chairman of Committee.